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In the latest episode of the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit (OIS) Podcast, Creating an Easier-to-Navigate World for Children, Safe Toddles President and CEO Grace Ambrose-Zaken, Ph.D., joins host Robert Rothman to discuss her groundbreaking work developing the Pediatric Belt Cane—a first-of-its-kind mobility device that’s changing what’s possible for blind and visually impaired children.

Safe Toddles announces a major milestone: transitioning from 3D-printed to injection molded plastic parts for the Pediatric Belt Cane. This advancement means stronger, heat-resistant, and more durable components, helping children who are blind or visually impaired move safely and confidently.

If your blind child resists using their cane, it’s not defiance — it’s design. Many young children struggle to swing a traditional long cane safely or effectively. Learn the five signs your blind child’s cane or mobility device isn’t right and discover how the Pediatric Belt Cane can help them walk confidently, safely, and independently.

Mobility tools for vision impaired children are designed to help them detect obstacles, understand their environment, and move safely. These tools range from traditional long canes to more innovative devices like the belt cane. Each tool has its unique benefits and applications.

Join us for White Cane Conversations — a free virtual event on October 31, 2025, celebrating independence, innovation, and inclusion in the blind and visually impaired community. Hosted by Kristin Smedley, Mike Mulligan, Sedona Dave, and Dr. Mary Beth Calhoon, this powerful conversation explores mobility tools that transform lives — from the traditional white cane to cutting-edge solutions like the Pediatric Belt Cane and All Terrain Cane. Hear real stories from experts, pare

Long cane tips—from rollers to discs—try to solve a real problem: swinging a cane on varied terrain isn’t easy. Yet, after 150 years, the technique remains the same. It’s time for true innovation, like the wearable Belt Cane, bringing effortless, hands-free mobility to every blind traveler.

When vision can’t guide a child, touch can. The white cane extends that touch, offering safety, awareness, and freedom of movement. Discover how the Belt Cane adapts this essential mobility tool for the youngest learners.

Under IDEA, the Pediatric Belt Cane meets the definition an assistive technology device. When requested, schools must initiate and complete the formal IEP evaluation process to determine whether to mandate this assistive technology device and include assistive technology support and related services on the IEP.

White Cane Day has new meaning for children who are blind from birth. With the Pediatric Belt Cane and Rectangular AMD, even toddlers can now join the celebration — walking safely and independently using touch for balance, protection, and exploration.

Safe Toddles receives a $30,000 grant from the William G. and Helen C. Hoffman Foundation—their second year of support—to expand early mobility access for blind children through Pediatric Belt Canes, training, and family outreach.

Playgrounds should be places of freedom, not frustration — especially for blind children. The Pediatric Belt Cane gives young blind kids the ability to explore, climb, swing, and slide with confidence by providing real-time tactile feedback about their environment. It’s not just a mobility tool — it’s the key to truly inclusive, independent play.

Most people assume blind children don’t know where they are — but the real challenge isn’t orientation, it’s mobility. In this eye-opening thought experiment, you’ll discover how blind kids can confidently know their space, yet still need tools like the white cane to move safely. Try it yourself: close your eyes, navigate your home, and gain a deeper understanding of what your child truly experiences.

Now that your blind child is moving confidently with the Pediatric Belt Cane, it’s the perfect time to start building independence at home. Learn how to teach age-appropriate chores through direct instruction, tactile routines, and daily practice—empowering your child to develop essential life skills one step at a time.

Children begin learning to navigate their world from the moment they start moving. For children with blindness or mobility-related visual impairments, this process can be more complex — but no less vital. Traditional mobility tools like long canes often aren’t introduced until school age, which can delay critical stages of physical and cognitive development. The Pediatric Belt Cane, however, provides the tactile input needed to safely begin independent movement as early as 1

The white cane arc is an essential tool for anyone with a mobility visual impairment or blindness (MVI/B). Yet, children with an MVI/B struggle to even hold the long cane much less sweep it back and forth with each step. Children can push a static white cane arc in front of them. The static white cane arc is when it is built into the device.

When a child is born blind, parents look to pediatric ophthalmologists for answers—but who provides the tools for safe, independent walking? With new research showing the benefits of the Pediatric Belt Cane, it’s time to rethink early mobility and who should be prescribing it.

Imagine a playground at recess: children darting, laughter ringing in spontaneous choreography. Now, enter a blind child who is wearing a...

When a child faces challenges with mobility or vision, the right tools can make all the difference. Pediatric walking aids are designed...

Navigating the world can be challenging for visually impaired children. Traditional mobility aids like long canes are effective but can sometimes be cumbersome for young users. Enter the innovative belt cane for kids - a compact, user-friendly solution designed to empower children with visual impairments to explore their surroundings confidently and safely.

When it comes to helping children with mobility challenges due to visual and motor impairments, finding the right tools can make all the difference.